WeeklySA_AdminREVIVAL: A concert creating a platform to develop, unite, heal and strengthen the Covid-weary people of Gqeberha…
By Gugu Sibiya
The Healing Gospel & Afro-Soul Explosion 2022 taking place at the Sun Boardwalk, in Gqeberha, on June 4, has been earmarked as a stepping stone towards the revival of the entertainment and events industries in the area which were the hardest hit by Covid-19 and subsequent lockdown.
Leading the pack at this see or be seen concert is the leggy Kelly Khumalo. These days the singer who doubles up as an actress and businesswoman also goes by the title “Her Vocal Highness, is likely to have Gqeberha eating out of the palm of her hand. Adding to the day’s magic will be multi-award-winning, stylish duo the Jazziel Brothers, who always aim to please and will – as usual – leave a lasting impression.
Also part of the revival pack, is award winning gospel singer, farmer and businessman Buthe Vuthela, a man on a mission when given an opportunity to guide the flock on that stage. A group of youngsters Legato SA, an a capella outfit, will charm homies with their harmonious voices.
The exciting twist to this envisaged revival is the organisers’ commitment to looking out for the often-marginalised locals at huge fests. They will also partner young, new entrepreneurs with established businesses for mentorship. The objective is to unite, strengthen and heal the people of Gqeberha as they pick up the pieces after Covid-19 disruption.
Sandla Black is one such up-and-coming businessman to reap the benefits of mentorship, which has developed him into a dynamic and respectable events company owner.
Mark Mahambehlala, CEO of Ebubeleni Fest, says: “The Gospel & Afro-Soul Explosion is the second event to be part of the Ebubeleni Festival Series. It’s in partnership with Sandla Black, an aspiring youth-owned events company in Gqberha. He’s one of the many developing events organisers to be mentored by Ebubeleni, through a series of concerts.
“The objective is to create a platform, develop and generate income for locals in Nelson Mandela Bay and Eastern Cape. Black is one of the fortunate artists from Gqeberha to be funded by the National Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, through their Mzansi Golden Economy grant programme,” explains Mahambehlala.
Judging by the excitement in the air, it’s going to be a night of worship, dance and celebration. The series of these events are a build-up towards the main Ebubeleni Festival in December.
Tickets cost R300 at www.webtickets.co.za, Pick n Pay and Boxer stores. Doors open at 7pm, the show starts at 8pm.
a possibility of hope and healing.
Published on the 51th Edition. Get E-Copy
